Sgt William James Smith vanished during a dog fight over the English Channel on May 9, 1942. Supplied

THE remains of a WWII spitfire pilot found in wreckage in northern France last year have been identified as Victorian airman William James Smith.

Sgt Smith vanished during a dog fight over the English Channel on May 9, 1942.

Found last year by a film crew making a documentary about the war, the 24-year-old was identified with war records and personal items including his uniform and a disc etched with his name and identification number.

Sgt William James Smith was originally from Whittlesea and was posted to RAAF Number 457 Squadron, attached to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II...